On September 24th, Barstow had its first Harvest Festival since Covid-19. The night was filled with fun activities for people of all ages. From the pep assembly during school, the Harvest Festival, the soccer game, and the Upper School fall dance, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Although Barstow was not able to hold a Harvest Festival last year due to Covid-19, this year’s festivities more than made up for it.
Lizzie Boyce, a junior, states, “The food and celebrations were fun for everyone in my family! From the young to the young at heart.”
To many Barstow students, the Harvest Festival was more than just another activity at school. It represented the start of a return to normalcy. As one of the first larger social gatherings since Covid-19, Harvest Festival holds hope for more activities to come. Harvest Festival was also one of the first events since Covid-19 where people outside of the Barstow community were invited to attend. This change allows people in the Barstow community to interact with people from other schools. As long as things continue on this path, the Harvest Festival could be a sign of returning to participation in past events, such as dances and group gatherings. Events like the Harvest Festival allow the Barstow community to unite together and enjoy the school year.
The night of the Harvest Festival included many events. Activities started with the pep assembly, which aimed to get students excited for the Harvest Festival. The pep assembly included a seniors vs. faculty soccer game, a game with the middle schoolers, and pep talks from sports captains and teachers. Then, the Harvest Festival took place. There, parents, all students, and people from other schools participated in activities and music. Later, people gathered to watch the soccer game outside at Barstow. Finally, Upper School students gathered for the fall dance.
The Harvest Festival itself contained many activities. Outside were inflatables, face painting, a petting zoo, and a large darts game. Barstow teachers also participated in a dunk tank. Before the festival, students voted for which teachers they would like to have in the dunk tank. Music, dancing and food also were available for anyone not interested in the aforementioned activities. Maya Theobald, a sophomore, says, “Harvest Fest was fun, all the activities they had set up were good, like the dunk tank and face paint station.”
A food truck with assorted entrees and sides, pizza, and another food truck with ice cream and cookies fed guests throughout the night. The soccer game took place later during the Harvest Festival. Many students gathered to support the teams, and converse with friends.
After the Harvest Festival, Upper School students gathered for the fall dance. The dance took place on the patio. A DJ played music for everyone to enjoy. On the side, fireplaces held s’mores stations. There were also games, snacks, and drinks for the students. Fortunate enough to avoid any rain, students danced for hours on end. With music and lights, the fall dance perfectly wrapped up the Harvest Festival.
The Harvest Festival presented a wonderful opportunity for the Barstow community to interact with one another. Through games, dancing, and other activities, students from Barstow connected with each other, as well as other students in the area. While social interaction since Covid-19 has proved difficult, the Harvest Festival proves we will all get through this together.
